What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

In a debate on the economy, the Conservatives repeatedly hammered the Liberals for excessive spending on the Prime Minister's travel, arguing it was tone-deaf while Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The Liberals defended their economic record and touted various infrastructure investments, while sniping back at the Conservatives over the Opposition Leader's past expenses.

Official Hansard ↗

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“I want people to be mad at the Prime Minister. Look how much he spends on fancy airplane food. That's more than a family spends on groceries. It's all his fault we're in a recession. He should say if this is his recession or just a normal one.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I won't answer the question about a recession. Instead I'll talk about how traveling is good. I want the Prime Minister to travel more so we can spend more of your money on infrastructure.”
Our translation 67% shorter

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“The prime minister spends $200,000 of your money on fancy trips that get us nothing. That's why we're in a recession. The government hasn't helped regular people. 2.2 million Canadians don't have enough to eat. 120,000 lost their jobs this year. What's the plan to fix this mess?”
Our translation 57% shorter
“I want Canadians to be optimistic and ignore what the Conservatives are saying. Canada is great! We build things and have resources. Our economy is growing. Don't listen to them talking it down.”
Our translation 67% shorter

John Brassard

Conservative
“The Liberals spend too much. Canada's in a recession and the Prime Minister isn't sacrificing. He spent $200,000 of taxpayer money on food for just three flights. Meanwhile, regular Canadians are struggling. The Prime Minister should admit whether we're in a recession.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“You Conservatives spend a lot of money too. The Leader of the Opposition spent way more money than the Prime Minister did in 2024, and he doesn't even have to make any decisions. Maybe the Conservatives should explain their own high spending before attacking us.”
Our translation 49% shorter

John Brassard

Conservative
“Canada's economy is bad. People can't pay their bills. The Prime Minister wasted money on fancy food. I want to know if we're in a recession. The government should be honest.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“I want to change the subject. Let's talk about what the other party spends instead. I want to say we are serious about the economy. I will list many things we spend money on. Maybe the list makes us sound good.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“The other party spends too much money. They can't control even their own small expenses. How can we trust them to fix the whole country's money problems? Maybe this is not their problem.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal
“We want to spend a lot of money in Ontario. That will magically create jobs for everyone. Don't worry about the cost. Trust us, it's important.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends your money on luxury flights and fancy food. But Canadians struggle to buy groceries. The economy is weak. Only his friends get bonuses. Why doesn't the Prime Minister make sacrifices too? Do as I say, not as I do.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal
“I want you to know that I'm focused on building. The government is giving millions to build housing and Internet. The Surrey SkyTrain is under construction too. The government is working hard and spending your money from coast to coast. Conservatives just want to tear it all down.”
Our translation 52% shorter

David Bexte

Conservative
“Canada is in trouble under the Prime Minister. Only Canada is in a recession. The government spends so much. They spent $17,000 on fish! A normal family spends less all year. The environment minister spends so much on fancy trips. The government needs to stop hiding and tell the truth. Are we in a recession or not?”
Our translation 45% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“The Conservatives spent a lot of money too. Never mind what my party spends. We have a fight with other countries. We are building big projects. We spent a lot of money on this and that. Look at the big numbers. Look at all the jobs. I want the Conservatives to look bad.”
Our translation 49% shorter